What is BS 8674:2025 - Framework for competence of individual fire risk assessors?
In August 2025, the British Standards Institution released BS 8674:2025, a landmark standard designed to help fire risk assessors demonstrate competency across different building types. One of its central features is the introduction of clear fire risk profiles, which classify premises as low, moderate, or high fire risk.
While the terminology isn’t new, the definitions and thresholds differ considerably from earlier guidance (such as PAS 79 or BS 9999).
At its core is a simple principle: The complexity of a building should match the competency of the assessor.
Buildings are now classified as low, moderate, or high fire risk, and each category is directly tied to the level of competency required — foundation, intermediate, or advanced.
At its core is a simple principle: The complexity of a building should match the competency of the assessor.
Buildings are now classified as low, moderate, or high fire risk, and each category is directly tied to the level of competency required — foundation, intermediate, or advanced.
In other words, the standard doesn’t just describe buildings; it describes the type of professional who is competent to assess them. A small community hall and a major hospital both need fire risk assessments — but not necessarily by the same person, and not to the same level of expertise.
By formalising this relationship between risk profiles and competency levels, BS 8674:2025 provides clearer boundaries for practice. It helps assessors know where their competence begins and ends, and gives building owners confidence that their premises are being reviewed by someone qualified for the job.
Download the risk profile summary sheet:
